I thought I could fool a few of you with pictures of my new pipe and then when everyone said how wonderful it was, I could dramatically pull the curtain back and declare that it was, in fact, an IDEA pipe.
For those who don't know / remember, IDEA pipes seem to be placed in that middle ground of Chinese pipes. Not the $3 AliExpress pipes, not the artisanal hand carved pieces.
I couldn't resist putting one to the test. How would it fare against its cheaper aliexpress cousin?
This pipe cost me $0 after shipping. It was sent fairly quickly and without issue. I can't seem to find it on their website, but its probably retailing for $30ish.
I plan on subjecting this pipe to the same tests as the other one socwe can finally answer the age old question: Is a free pipe better than a $3 pipe?
Some history:
AliExpress Pipe Thread
Some observations before we begin:
-the stem fitment on the shank is seamless to my eyes
-the drilling of the airway seems to be off substantially
-a burlap sack as a pipe bag is interesting
Some before pictures:
For those who don't know / remember, IDEA pipes seem to be placed in that middle ground of Chinese pipes. Not the $3 AliExpress pipes, not the artisanal hand carved pieces.
I couldn't resist putting one to the test. How would it fare against its cheaper aliexpress cousin?
This pipe cost me $0 after shipping. It was sent fairly quickly and without issue. I can't seem to find it on their website, but its probably retailing for $30ish.
I plan on subjecting this pipe to the same tests as the other one socwe can finally answer the age old question: Is a free pipe better than a $3 pipe?
Some history:
AliExpress Pipe Thread
Some observations before we begin:
-the stem fitment on the shank is seamless to my eyes
-the drilling of the airway seems to be off substantially
-a burlap sack as a pipe bag is interesting
Some before pictures:
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